Bush’s War by Military Families Speak Out Ohio

Perhaps if Mr. Bush had been more involved during his time of military service, he would have a better appreciation for the hardships endured by military families. When the president threatens our loved ones by forcing them past the point of human endurance, military families will not remain silent. Most military families know the war and occupation of Iraq is a violation of the military core values that we teach American soldiers and sailors.
The supporters of this war repeatedly attempt to justify the sacrifice of military families and refuse to change a course that is needlessly costing lives.

In the military, commanders who show a failure of leadership must step down or they are removed from their posts for such a malfunction. However, we are told this is leadership and any deviation from this strategy will be silenced- regardless of actual experience, credibility, or even six or more expert generals’ majority opinion.

I know a mother sick with grief knowing her son will deploy to Iraq for a third time, despite that he cannot hold a rifle as well as he did during his first deployment. On her sons second deployment his arm was filled with shrapnel that will be with him for life, and as a result, he will never be able to defend himself with his weapon as he did before.

Another military family tells of their reserve soldier, also looking at a third deployment. His back was so badly injured during his last deployment he can no longer wear his body armor. Those willing to lay down their lives for our freedom and our constitution are the untold heroes of this nation and we have a duty to defend them from misuse.

There are thousands more being sent back to Iraq just like these young soldiers, whose patriotism was abused, their purpose as defenders tainted by a war based on false and distorted information, told to the American people and our soldiers as truths.
General Petrakos tells us there is a need for more Marines in years to comes, as if he does not foresee ending the war in Iraq. The marines we have right now, many on a fifth or sixth tour, cannot continue this pace much longer. Nor should all the other branches of service bear such a cost. We have Air Force and Coast Guard people on the ground in Iraq. Most experts consider this a national security risk.

We have made phone calls, we have written letters, and we have made congressional visits but our representatives still refuse to represent us. Instead, they create legislation, which is meaningless in assisting our troop’s safe and timely return. One active duty wife said, “There can be no question that the brave men and women of the United States military are the finest in the world. Proudly and selflessly, they serve to protect the freedom of the American people. It is time for us to speak out against this unjust war and bring an immediate end to the suffering.” Military families are demanding congress ’Bring our troops home now - and take care of them when they get here. ’

Statement of Military Families Speak Out Ohio militaryfamiliesspeakoutohio@gmail.com May 3, 2007 –MFSO represents more than 3,400 military families nationally http://www.mfso.org